Few things capture the spirit of fall better than the warm aroma of pumpkin spice wafting through your kitchen. This Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Bread is soft, moist, and perfectly spiced, making it a comforting seasonal treat for breakfast, snacking, or dessert.
With its tender crumb and fragrant swirl of cinnamon-sugar, every slice feels like a cozy hug on a crisp autumn morning.
Simple to make yet bursting with flavor, this bread uses pantry staples and seasonal pumpkin to create a loaf that’s rich, nostalgic, and incredibly versatile.
Whether you’re baking for your family, sharing at a fall gathering, or simply enjoying a quiet moment with tea or coffee, this recipe brings all the coziness of autumn straight to your table.
My Opinion
This pumpkin spice cinnamon bread has become one of my absolute favorite fall bakes. The first time I made it, I was instantly transported back to childhood mornings when my house smelled of cinnamon and nutmeg.
The swirl of cinnamon-sugar through the middle makes it extra special—it feels like a bakery-style loaf but with the homemade touch that just can’t be beat.
I also love how forgiving and versatile the recipe is. It doesn’t require fancy equipment, and the steps are straightforward, which makes it perfect for busy mornings or even late-night baking sessions.
I’ve tried it with walnuts for crunch, and even once with a maple glaze, and every version has been just as comforting. This is the kind of bread I love to gift to neighbors or bring along to a cozy fall brunch—it always earns rave reviews.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ Easy to Make – No advanced skills needed; just mix, swirl, and bake.
- ✅ Perfectly Spiced – Cinnamon and nutmeg deliver warm autumn flavors in every bite.
- ✅ Moist & Tender – Pumpkin puree keeps the bread soft and rich.
- ✅ Beautiful Swirl – The cinnamon-sugar layer adds visual appeal and extra sweetness.
- ✅ Versatile Treat – Enjoy it for breakfast, dessert, or with afternoon coffee.
- ✅ Freezer-Friendly – Bake ahead and store for up to 3 months.
Tools You’ll Need
- Standard loaf pan (9×5 inch recommended)
- Mixing bowls (one large, one medium, one small)
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wire cooling rack
- Toothpick or cake tester
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade, drained if fresh)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup vegetable oil (or substitute with coconut oil or melted butter)
Spices
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Leavening Agent
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
Swirl Topping
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard loaf pan with butter or cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. - Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and baking soda until evenly combined. This ensures the spices are distributed throughout the loaf. Set aside. - Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vegetable oil. Whisk until smooth and well blended; the mixture should look silky and uniform. - Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Using a spatula, gently fold until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—stop as soon as no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing can make the bread dense. - Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, stir together the 2 tablespoons sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. This will be your swirl layer. - Layer the Batter
Pour half of the bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing it into an even layer. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top. Then carefully spread the remaining batter on top, covering the swirl. Use a knife to gently drag through the batter to create a marbled effect, if desired. - Bake the Bread
Place the loaf pan into the preheated oven and bake for 50–55 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf—it should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs. - Cool and Serve
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to firm up. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve warm, plain, or with a pat of butter.
Baking Tips
- Measure Carefully: Level off flour and sugars for consistent results.
- Don’t Overmix: Fold gently to keep the bread light and fluffy.
- Perfect Swirl: For a pretty marbled look, drag a butter knife through the batter in figure-eight motions.
- Moisture Check: If your pumpkin puree is watery, drain it slightly before adding to avoid excess moisture.
- Storage: Wrap tightly and store at room temperature for 2–3 days, refrigerate for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Flavor Pairings
- 🍵 Chai Tea Latte – The spices in chai complement the pumpkin perfectly.
- 🧈 Maple Bourbon Butter – Spread on a slice for a decadent grown-up treat.
- 🍎 Caramel Apple Cider – A festive drink pairing that enhances the warm spices.
- 🍦 Vanilla Whipped Cream – A dollop on top makes this a dessert-worthy loaf.
Variations
- Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend.
- Vegan: Use flax eggs and coconut oil in place of eggs and vegetable oil.
- Low-Sugar: Replace part of the sugar with monk fruit or stevia.
- Nutty Crunch: Fold in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes! Roast fresh pumpkin, puree it, and drain excess liquid to match the texture of canned pumpkin.
What if I don’t have vegetable oil?
Melted butter, coconut oil, or canola oil all work well. Each will slightly change the flavor and texture.
How do I know it’s fully baked?
A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean, and the top should be golden brown and slightly firm.
Can this be made ahead of time?
Yes—this bread stores wonderfully at room temperature for a couple of days and freezes beautifully for longer storage.
Conclusion
This Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Bread is the ultimate fall bake—warm, comforting, and filled with nostalgic flavors. It’s simple enough for beginners but delicious enough to impress any crowd.
Whether you enjoy it as breakfast, a cozy afternoon snack, or even dessert, this bread brings the magic of autumn right into your home.
Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
Hey there! I’m Steffan, the food lover and creator behind Biteblis.com. Thank you for stopping by! I hope you’ll explore, get inspired, and find something delicious to cook up at home. My mission is simple: to spread joy through food, one tasty bite at a time. For more info, visit About Us.